Renault develops fuel-efficient Optifuel Lab truck
Renault Trucks has announced the development of a new truck concept called the Optifuel Lab. Thanks to modified front spoilers and a longer nose (about a foot (30 cm) longer than regular truck heads), the Optifuel Lab reduces diesel fuel consumption and CO2 emissions up to 15 percent. Renault Trucks said that the tractor's powertrain was thoroughly revised, as was how the energy used to power all the auxiliary elements of the vehicle, such as electric brakes, works. It also uses a special blend of diesel fuel developed by French oil company Total. With all this, the concept truck was designed to maximize its performances on long-distance freight hauling routes and can move 25 metric tons by burning 4.5 fewer liters per 100 km.
[Source: Renault trucks via EP]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John Rowell 11:58PM (3/19/2009)
I can see the design of the trailer was optimized as well. From the aerodynamic partial airfoil shape, to the rear bottom corner which has been changed to a curved shape.
Now...who's going to start putting solar panels on the roofs of tractor-trailers to power auxiliary refrigeration or even provide a bit of a solar-electric hybrid boost?
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Nick 3:18AM (3/20/2009)
Good point, John, if the roof surface of a trailer was covered in solar panels this could yield several thousand watt of power!
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